Grant Horne Obituary

Grant Nelson Horne

January 31, 1931 - October 27, 2018

Grant Nelson Horne, age 87, passed away on October 27th at his home in San Francisco, CA after a period of declining health. He was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on January 14, 1931 and graduated Yale University Magna Cum Laude in 1952.

After graduation, Grant resided in New York City for over 25 years and held positions at the Aspen Institute for Humanistic Studies, the Great Books Foundation, Edison Electric Institute, and Underwood Jordan Associates.

In 1979, Grant moved to San Francisco to join Pacific Gas & Electric Company as Vice President, where he served until retirement. It was a dynamic and challenging role in which he oversaw a staff of 60 professionals charged with all aspects of the company's internal and external communications.

Throughout, Grant was active in numerous professional organizations, including The Public Relations Seminar, The Arthur W. Page Society, the International Association of Business Communicators, the Institute for Public Relations Research, the Public Relations Society of America, and the San Francisco Academy. In 1999, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame of The Arthur W. Page Society.

Grant was also a long-time supporter of many philanthropic organizations, including the San Francisco Symphony, the Daughters of Charity Foundation (Los Angeles), the Patrons of the Vatican Museum (Rome), Art Services International (Washington, D.C.), and the United Way of the Bay Area. He left an indelible, positive mark on the world and will be sorely missed by many.

He is survived by his life partner, Mario Alberto Castro of San Francisco and Cuernavaca, Mexico; his daughter Mary Horne (Seth Geeslin), of West Halifax VT; his sister-in-law Sharon Horne of Salt Lake City; and many nieces, nephews and their children and grandchildren.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Nov. 8 to Nov. 11, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Grant Horne

9 Entries

John J. barr

July 10, 2024

I worked closely with Grant Horn when he was public relations leader at Pacific gas and electric, and I can truly say that he was an inspiration and the finest client in my experience. He was a superb strategic thinker and a gentleman in every sense.

Denise Melikian

December 15, 2018

Dear Mary and Mario,

We are so very sorrry to hear of Grant's passing. I had the honor of knowing him as my father's boss at PG&E, and over the years, he had became a close family friend. He was very encouraging when I landed a summer position there at 18 years old. I actually still have his email reply to me from when I told him I was officially part of the PG&E family.

Grant honored us by officiating our wedding nearly 10 years later (nearly 18 years ago). I will always treasure the memories of wedding planning, and how excited he was, sharing is ideas with us over dinner. If memory serves me right Mary, I may have actually spoken to you briefly on the phone during one of those planning nights and you happened to call Grant. Needless to say, our ceremony was made extra special by his beautiful words.

Mario, I am sorry that time did not allow us to take up Grant's offer to visit with both of you in Cuernavaca. I know we would have all had a lovely time together.

It is with such a heavy heart to write these words, but Grant was such a kind, generous, and pure soul... He will be very missed. We are so lucky to have had the privilege of calling him a friend, and we will treasure our memories of him always.

On behalf of my parents, Ted and Amy Tsoi, my husband Shawn, and myself, please accept our deepest condolences.

Sincerely,
Denise Tsoi Melikian

Sharon Horne

November 19, 2018

Dear Mary and Mario my deepest sympathy to you, at the great loss of this very beloved man. Grant had the kindest heart, he was so generous,always willing to give others a helping hand. He was involved for many years in the restoration of the 450 year old Michelangelo paintings on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel,at the Vatican,in Rome. The ceiling was restored and is now a breathtaking beauty. Grant took so much interest in everyone and the things around him. He was an outstanding host and chef, his meals were true perfection and so delicious. He was a concert piano player, a real master at anything he played. How privileged and blessed we have been,to have this totally amazing person in our lives. You have taught us all so much. Goodbye dear friend.

November 12, 2018

Dear Mary and Mario, we were so sorry to hear about uncle Grant. What a great and generous man with such an amazing smile that lit up a room.. Try to remember all the good times you had and I'm sure there were many. Our deepest condolences to you and your family. He will be greatly missed. May God bless your family at this time and always. Love, the David M. Horne family.

November 10, 2018

My deepest condolences to your family for the loss of your loved one. May the cherished memories you have of Grant help sustain you during this difficult time. May your family be comforted by looking forward to Jesus promise of seeing your dear one again recorded at John 6:40.

November 10, 2018

My sincere condolences to the family.may the God of all consolation gives you comfort, hope and peace during this difficult time. Jeremiah 29:11,12

Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results